Michael McCarthy (Cork South West, Labour) | Oireachtas source

I welcome an tOllamh Peadar Kirby from the University of Limerick. I draw his attention to one or two procedural items before we commence. By virtue of section 17(2)(l) of the Defamation Act 2009, witnesses are protected by absolute privilege in respect of the evidence they give to this committee. However, if they are directed by the committee to cease giving evidence in relation to a particular matter and they continue to so do, they are entitled thereafter only to a qualified privilege in respect of their evidence. They are directed that only evidence connected with the subject matter of these proceedings is to be given and they are asked to respect the parliamentary practice to the effect that, where possible, they should not criticise nor make charges against any person(s) or entity by name or in such a way as to make him, her or it identifiable.

Members are reminded of the long-standing parliamentary practice to the effect that they should not comment on, criticise or make charges against a person outside the House or an official either by name or in such a way as to make him or her identifiable.

The opening statements and any other documents submitted may be published on the committee's website after proceedings this afternoon.

The committee is currently considering the outline heads of the climate action and low carbon development Bill 2013. It is imperative, from our point of view, that we initiate discussion around this subject with people, so that the report we compile will reflect those views. The object of this exercise is to produce legislation. The heads of the Bill have been published.

As the first legislation of its kind in this country, it is an historic and unique step for the Houses of the Oireachtas. The joint committee is the lead committee in driving forward the agenda and compiling the report. I look forward to the exchange between members and our guests as we seek to tease out their views on how to develop an outline of a Bill into legislation. I invite Professor Kirby to make his presentation.